Migrants group sending second rescue ship to Tripoli

GENEVA—The International Organization for Migration said a second charter ship is en route to Tripoli to rescue up to 1,000 foreigners trying to escape from the Libyan capital.

Migrants are fleeing fighting and a worsening food supply situation in the city.

A first IOM ship left Tripoli for Benghazi late Thursday carrying 263 foreigners from 15 countries including Egypt, Philippines and the United States.

IOM spokeswoman Jemini Pandya said the second ship is scheduled to arrive in Tripoli Saturday evening and has 50 humanitarian workers on board.

Pandya told reporters in Geneva on Friday that the security situation in Tripoli remains a serious concern for IOM.

She said checkpoints, snipers and lack of fuel are making it difficult for people to reach the port.